Jet-propulsion apparatus for the driving of vehicles, ships, boats, flying machines, and the like



1,629,767 May 24, 1927. s VALDS JET PROPULSION APPARATUS FOR THE DRIVING 0F VEHICLES,

$HIPS, BOATS. FLYING MACHINES, AND THE LIKE.

- Filed Dec. 15, 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet l 1,629,767 May 24, 1927. s VALDES v JET PROPULSION APPARATUS FOR THE DRIVING OF VEHICLES, SHIPS, BOATS. FLYING MACHINES, AND THE LIKE Flled Dec 1 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 hub, a pair of broad shallow li .ing such extension, pressure Patented May 24, 1927.

UNITED] STATES PATENT OFFICE.

snms'rro vumts, or wns'rims'raa, nonnou, IHGLAJID.

JET-PROPULSION APPARATUS FOBIHE DBIVII TG OE'VEHIOI IES, SHIPS, BOATS,

.. FLYING MACHINES, D THE LIKE.

Application filed December 13,

My invention relates to pro 'ulsion mechanism of thereaction type an consists in a reaction apparatus; a new and useful improved mechanism for the discharge of fluid.

Hitherto the mechanism for discharging fluid has comprised deflecting vanes in order to give to the jet of fluid the desired direction, but, even with such an improvement, the'eificiency of the system of pro ulsion by. reaction is still lower than that of the screw propeller, owing principally, the jet of fluid in the medium into which the said jet dischar es-slip which increases with the speed'of t e discharging fluid.

The reaction apparatus of my invention is for obtaining the maximum reaction of the discharging fluid by means of reducingto the minimum the said slip of discharge.

*To this end the invention consists essentially in an improved reaction propelling device for a vehicle comprising in'combination a hollow hub, a hollow extension connected to and flaring outwardly from such terminatflui adapted to issue from between such lips, stream line external surfaces to the li s and extension member, whereby the medium in which the propeller is immersed flows towards and across the lips so that the issuing pressure fluid obtains full impact upon the external medium. 7 3

The reactionapparatus can be attached to the discharging mechanism in a fixed sition, or can be adjusted into any desire position by means of a spherical universal connection or by coupling, or any'othe'r suitable mechanism, "in order that the reaction apparatus may receive a universal movement for the vcontrol ofthe direction of-thedischarging fluid for-manoeuvering and steer-, ing the boat'or vehicle in all directions, as r uired; I V I e reaction apparatus can be composed together by scribed,'zor the saidblade mag mechaof two or more leaves join means of hinges or any other sultable nism in orderthat the degree ofconcavity illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which--.--- i .f i.

to the slip of i and convergent 1 be made or constructed of one blade only, as above de- 1924, Serial :6. 756,131, and in Great Britain larch 1a, 1m

Figure '1 is a reverse-plan viewpartly in section of one form -.of reaction apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 2-i s a central transverse sectional view of Figure 1; v

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of a part of the after portion of a fiat bottomed-boat fitted with a fixed reaction apparatus;

Figure-4 is a view similar to Figure 3 of a part of the after portion of a submarine fitted with an adjustable reaction a paratus; Figure 5 is a side elevation 0 movab e reaction apparatus, such as is shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional elevation of tlge universal connection'shown in Figure Figure 7 is a. sectionalelevation of a form of reaction apparatus which is; reversible;

.Figure 8 is a diagrammatic plan view of reaction apparatus in which the blade is composed of twohinged-or movable leaves; Figure 9 is a diagrammatic side view of a rocket device fitted with a reaction apparatus;

Figure gram of an air vehicle propelled with a reaction apparatus according to the invention; Figure 11 is a ,side view of a suspended jet propelled air vehicle fitted with two reaction apparatus; Figure 12 is a side view of a li htswift jet propelled vehicle for use on san roads, fitted with a reaction-apparatus;

Figure 13 is a side view of a light swift air jet propelled boat fitted with a reaction apparatus for use in a rapidcurrent;

Figure 14isfla side view of a jet propelled airship fitted 1' with two reaction apparatus; Figure 15 is a side view of a jet propelled torpedo fitted with a double turbine blade surface reaction apparatus; Figure 16 is an enla'r ed side sectional view 10 is a side sectional view in diay or soft of the double turbine b ade surface apparatus is fixedly or movably'connected-to the after endo' ir a ship in convenient proximity .to the'keel' o'r elsewhereas'required. Such hub comprises a shell or easting. of metal or other suitable; material PIOVldBd with a centraltnbularhub portion a which the lower lip 0 except at the extreme tip at each side.

. by a web 0 along the back edge and by means of the central hub a, whilst the circular tubular space within the hub merges into the somewhat flat horizontal space (Z which separates the lips.

It is to be noted that as shown in Figure 2, the external surface of the lips is of convex or smoothstream-line profile, and that the centre line of space 01 is somewhat lower relatively to thatof the hub. The width of the space (L is also considerably narrower than the internal diameter of the hub a so as to spread the pressure fluid across the Whole width of the blade, such fluid being admitted at the required velocity by suitable means from within the ship or vehicle to the hub. The internal surfaces of the lips are made as smooth as possible so as to offer the least possible resistance or friction to the flow of the pressure fluid. The outer ends of both lips are reduced to a sharp 'or thin edge and their internal surfaces are such that as the jet of water passes between them as shown by the straight arrows, it has a slightly upward direction.

It is to be observed, when such a reaction device is in operation, that as it moves through the water or other medium in which it is immersed, the medium will flow upward as shown by the curved arrow along the exterior surface of the lower lip and across the path of the pressure fluid issuing from between the lips, and impinges upon or just clears the tip of the overhang-v ing upper lip. At the same time there is a flow of the medium down over the external surface of the upper lip, see the curved arrows, that converges towards the underflow and beyond the tip. The convergence of these two flowing masses ensures that there will always be a full supply of the medium directly opposed to the pressure fluid flowing out between the lips, so that maximum reaction is obtained and no slip can occur.

As will be seen in Figure Qby the dotted line at e, the external surface of the lateral parts of the lips are smooth and well rounded so as to present as little resistance as possible to the medium through which the reaction apparatus is travelling, the medium flowing as shown by the curved arrows.

In the manner described above, the deviceconstitutes as it were a reaction surface, in which the greatest amount of reaction is attained and the momentum of the fluid utilized to the uttermost, and-in which there is no cavitation or slip.

As will be seen in Figure 1 the lower lip 0 Both lips are connected together is not altogether regularly set back relatively to the upper lip b, but it is at about its centre part 7 again extended rearwardly, so as to better utilize at the centre the outflowing pressure fluid.

Referring to Figure 3, a modified form of the reaction apparatus is shown which is more or less built into the bottom of a flat bottomed boat. The operation is substantially the same as above described, but in this case in order to assist the spreading of the pressure fluid, the central part of the space between the upper and lower lips is provided with a series of radial vanes 9 so that the pressure fluid is distributed as shown by the straight arrows. The external surfaces of both of the lips may be also radially vaned as shown at g Figure 1 to guide the flow of the medium over the lips.

In the two modifications above described, the reaction apparatus is a fixture so that the propelling eflortis always in a constant direction, but in Figures 4 and 5 there is illustrated a system in which the reaction apparatus is adjustable by connecting it with the stern h of a submarine for example by means of a universal joint k. The construction of the apparatus is substantially the same as that already described, the pressure fluid-being admitted to the blades by a hollow arrangement ofthe universal joint, so

' that the reactionary eflort'may be exerted either straight astern or at a desired angle thereto, up or down or sldewise'.

Any convenient means may be used for adjusting the angular disposition of the reaction apparatus and Figure 5 shows one such' device, 1n which there 13 secured to the upper lip a vertical rod or stem Z by means .of which the lips as a unit may be swung up or down in a vertical plane or at any angle in a horizontal plane Sl'ClEWlSG around the universal oint as a centre.

One convenient form of universal joint is shown in Figure 6 in which m is a fixed hollow shell of bulbous form, one end. '11

of which is relatively narrow and admits the pressure fluid. At the other end the shell is enlarged and fitted with a screwed cap formedwith an internal spherical bearing surface 0 to receive a hollow spherical member 72 which constitutes the moving part of the joint. The area of the fluid passage '9 through the sphere 72 is progressively reduced to guide the fluid even when moved into an extreme position, and it will be understood that the reaction apparatus with its upper and lower lips is suitably attached to, or integrally formedwith the sphere.

Referringto Figure 7, a form of reaction apparatus is shown in which the hub a forms an upright stem with the lips arranged horizontally as before. The hub is rotatably supported by a part of the boat orship framing as shown, whereby the lips may be adjusted from their normaldriving ahead position as shown in full lines, to the dotted position for reversing or driving astern.

Although preferably the reaction -apparatus will be used with the lips in a horizontal position they may, if desired, be arranged vertically. WVhenhorizontal they may be ofcurved form in cross section either upward or downward but it is preferred to make them with a downward curve, that narrow the field of reaction. .Suitable' clips paratus.

or other holding devices t are applied to the stems 1", s to assist-in supportmg the ap- Besides being used for the propulsion of ships and boats, the device may be used for I driving any other vehicle or device and Figure 9 shows the invention adapted to a rocket for carrying a life line 0 other purpose. This comprises 'a-to rpedohaped body u carrying at its rear end a reaction ap-' paratus 1) such asv that already described. it-hin the body u is provided an ignition chamber or gas generator 10 having discharge so for the pressure fluid generated in chamber w. The reacting pressure fluid passes out in the direction of the straight arrow and acts topro el the-rocket in the, manner already 'descri ed. To impart stability the body u-may be fitted with a pair of stabilizing wings y of. which one is shown. I

In Figure 10 the reaction apparatus is shown as adapted to an aeroplane. The

' body-'2; contains a turbine at 16 having an air inlet 17 and a compressed air discharge 1 8' whi'ch causesa flow of air between the lips b, 0 as before. The turbine may be driven in any suitable .Way such as by an electric motor, or by hand for starting and afterwards'by themovement of the machine 1n WlllOh the rush of air would act upon a vane wheel. 19 i's av supporting plane and -'20 18 one of a pairof landing wheels Figure 11 -sho\ IS. the reaction apparatus applied to an overhead cable vehicle 'or aitelfer suspension. 21"is a car suspended by .a pair of wheels from a fixed overhead cable 22,

. the car having two reaction apparatus 23, 24 each;carr1ed upon a stem after the mannershown in Figure 7, so that both may direction when 24 is in action,

apparatus may beused which is rotatafily as shown by the arrows or each may be fixed so that when 23 is in operation the car moves from left to right, and, in the reverse or a sin le adjustable through 180 to obtain the desired drive.

In Figure 12 the invention is represented as applied-to a light car, in which the reaction apparatus 25 is carried above the car upon a stem 26 serving as a duct for supplying pressure fluid and by which the direction of the --reaction effort shown by the arrow may be adjusted-so as to ,steer the car only or to both steer the car-as well as propel it, or the device may be a fixture. Such a system would be useful where the road is such that it is difii cult for the wheels to obtain a driving grip.

Figure 13 shows a similar arrangement in which .thereaction apparatus 27 is fitted above a light boat or hydroplane 28 where high speed and but little draft are required, whilst- Figure 14 shows two reaction apparatus 29, 30 suspended from beneath an airship vof lighter than air type. The arrows show the direction of the dischargingpresv sure fluid.

plication of the invention to a torpedo31 tted witha double turbine blade surface 32 Figure 15 illustrates in plan view the ap-- upon which the fluid pressure discharges" I and reacts, and Figure 16 is an enlarged sectional elevation of the reaction apparatus shown in Figure 14.- with the double-turbine blade surface sides 33 and 34. The straight arrows indicate the direction of the discharging fluid from the common outlet edge of the turbine blade surfaces 33 and 34 of the reaction apparatus.

vItwill be understood from the foregoin that the described reactionapparatus is suc that no slip willoccur and the full amount of reactive effort will be secured. It may be used for propulsion alone or for steering alone whatever means are used for propulsion, lot for both purposes combined. Moreover the reaction apparatus although it may be-made with more than one blade surface, comprises preferably a. sin le blade member. Instead of arranging t e apparatus on the longitudinal centre of the boat or vehicle it is to drive, one or more of such apparatus may be used on each-side of such centre line. y i

Having nowdescribed my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. Improved reaction propelling device for a vehicle comprising in combination ahollow huh, a hollow extension connected to and flaring outwardly from such hub, a.

.What' pair of broad shallow lips terniinatingsuch extension from between which pressure drive the car 'in one or the other direction fluid is-adapted to issue, and convergent stream line external surfaces to the ips and extension member, whereby the m dium in I which the propeller is immersed flows toto reach the interior of the extension, a. pair-of broad shallow lips at the front of the extension and from between which is adapted to issue the pressure fluid, and

curved external surfaces on the said hub and extension converging towards'said lips sothat the medium in which the propeller is immersed flows towards and across the lips whereby the pressure fluid coming from between the lips and discharging directly from the edges thereof. obtains full impact upon the external medium.

3. A reaction propelling device as claimed in claim 2 in which the upper member of the pair of broad shallow lips extends beyond the lower lip and forms a surface against which may impinge a current flowing up from beneath the lower lip.

4. In a reaction propelling device as claimed in claim 2, the combination of means whereby the position of the propelling device may be so adjusted that its centre line is at an angle with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

5. In a reaction propelling device as claimed in claim 1, the combination in which the lower member of the pair of horizontal lips has an irregular shaped edge or profile relatively to that of the upper.

6. In a reaction propelling device as' claimed in claim 1, the combination of a series of radial vanes between the broad shallow lips to assist in laterally spreading lips are immersed.

.8. A reaction propelling device for ships and vessels, comprising in combination a hollow hub, carried by the stern of the vessel, a horizontal hollow extension merging therefrom of shallow outwardly flaring form, a supply of pressure fluid within the vessel, adapted to be passed through the hub and into the hollow extension, a pair of broad horizontal shallow lips at the front of the member and from between which the pressure fluid issues, curved external surfaces onthe said hollow member converging towards said lips so that the medium in which the propeller is immersed flows towards and across the lips whereby the pressure fluid coming from between the lips and discharging directly from the edges thereof obtains full impact upon the external medium, and means whereby the position of the propelling device relatively to the vessel may be so adjusted that its centre line is changed relatively to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

' A SALUSTIO vALDEs. 

